Deerfield came out red hot against visiting Phillips Exeter Academy, scoring the first 42 points of the game, en route to a 42-14 victory on Fall Family Weekend. RB Keegan McHugh got the scoring started with a 2 yard run on the first offensive possession for Deerfield. With the ball at midfield on Exeter’s first possession, FS Sam Dwinell picked off a pass that set up a touchdown of his very own. QB Jack Bill found Dwinell in the corner of the endzone for a 14 yard touchdown that made the score 14-0.
Deerfield’s defense forced a 3 and out on the next possession and Bayard Demaille blocked the Exeter punt, giving Deerfield’s offense great field position. QB Jack Bill connected with RB Keegan McHugh on the 2nd play of the series for a 28 yard touchdown to make the score 21-0. Exeter fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Deerfield recovered, again giving Deerfield a short field to increase their lead; and they did. On 4 &10 QB Jack Bill threw a screen pass to TE Mike Bevino and Bevino did the rest, weaving through defenders to score from 25 yards out. The final two touchdowns in the first half came on the ground. RB Keegan McHugh took an outside run 70 yards for a touchdown and QB Cortland Dicks ran one in from 37 yards out.
On defense, multiple players stepped up and made some big plays. Along with Dwinell, LB Will Kolman and FS Aidan Philie had interceptions; Kolman’s came on a 4th & Goal play on a tipped pass caused by DE Bennet Pitcher. Deerfield’s victory was their highest scoring offensive performance of the season. They scored 42 points against Worcester Academy but two of the touchdowns came from the defense.
Deerfield has an extra day of preparation this week as they play on Sunday October 29th against Andover at 1pm.